Santa Ana has some of the more beautiful stretches of roadway in the country. Many residents of the area also drive flashy vehicles. Consequently, if you are an automotive enthusiast, you may love to watch amateur drivers show off their cars, trucks and SUVs.
Street racing remains a serious problem in Southern California. Not only is street racing illegal, but it also puts the lives of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and spectators in danger. Therefore, it is never a good idea to stand on the curb and watch a street race.
Watching is not illegal
Recently, the Santa Ana City Council decided to criminalize watching street races. Those who violated the law could have faced steep fines and even some jail time. According to reporting from KTLA, though, the city council changed its mind in the middle of 2021. Thus, watching street racing is not illegal currently.
Watching is dangerous
Just as street racers are not professional drivers, they also tend to drive in areas that are not suitable for high rates of speed. As you know, the faster a vehicle moves, the less time its driver has to react to road hazards and changing conditions. Even worse, street racers may come upon slow-moving traffic, potentially causing high-speed collisions.
You do not always have a say in whether you watch a street race, of course, as these races may pop up with little or no notice. Ultimately, regardless of whether you are a driver, pedestrian or spectator, you may be eligible for considerable financial compensation for any injuries you suffer when watching a street race.